Indians sign petition demanding Kohinoor diamond back

HYDERABAD: It has been a week since Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, passed away at Balmoral at the age of 96. However, since her death, Indians have openly expressed their desire for 'Kohinoor' to be returned.

And it was pretty evident from the popular hashtags like "Kohinoor" and "Return Kohinoor Diamond," which have gained enormous traction in India since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Several more Indians not only expressed their desire on social media but also signed an online petition on change.org to have the "Kohinoor Diamond" returned.

Venktesh Shukla, a petitioner, started an online petition on change.org to bring Kohinoor back to India. He hopes to gather one million signatures at the very least for this petition. Additionally, he welcomed all Indian nationals to contact their local British embassies, consulates, and high commissions and submit this petition to them in a dignified and peaceful manner.

Venkatesh Shukla claims in his online petition that Kohinoor was mined in India and was one of the largest diamonds ever mined. It passed through the hands of various Indian kings for centuries before reaching the legendary Ranjit Singh, who ruled Punjab. After his death in 1849, the British conquered the Punjab Kingdom and crowned his five-year-old son, Daleep Singh, as King under British regency. They later convinced this child to "gift" the diamond to the Britishers. They also relocated Daleep Singh to England, converted him to Christianity, and forbade him from meeting his mother or any other Indian, so he would be unaware of his heritage. "

He went on to say that, "It is no longer morally justifiable for the UK to keep the Kohinoor diamond. The right thing to do is to return to India, where it was taken from. It is also beneficial to the United Kingdom, as voluntarily handing over Kohinoor will help atone for its historical involvement in colonialism."

"The United Kingdom wishes to be seen as an honourable country that does good in the world. Let us give them this opportunity to correct themselves, "Vivek concluded.

The Kohinoor diamond, which weighs 105.6 carats and is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, The diamond is currently mounted in Queen Elizabeth II's crown. Since India's independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, governments in India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all claimed ownership of the Koh-i-Noor and asked for its return.

The British government has denied the allegations, claiming that the jewel was obtained legally in accordance with the provisions of the Lahore Treaty.